skip to main content

BBC Opens Funding Towards Works for a Virtual Festival

The BBC is inviting artists to apply for funding to create new works for its virtual festival Culture in Quarantine. Applications will open later this week.

Published: 30 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
A woman at home checking her mobile to access arts and culture
"It’s important during this period that we maintain access not just to news and information, but to the arts and culture." Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The collaboration between the broadcaster and Arts Council England will commission and distribute 25 new works by independent artists.

BBC maintains that continued access to arts and culture vital

Director-General Tony Hall says:

"It’s important during this period that we maintain access not just to news and information, but to the arts and culture.

For many people they are a valuable part of their lives and a way of stimulating imagination, thought, and escapism."

How to apply

The corporation is inviting applications from organisations or individuals. These can be collaborations between different disciplines.

Interested applicants are encouraged to email cultureinquarantine@thespace.org with the subject line “Please update me”, to be notified as soon as further guidance and the application form are published.

The online application form, terms and conditions, and FAQ’s will go live on The Space website, in the week commencing 30 March.

Accessing urgent financial support

For information on sources of financial assistance in times of hardship, and guidance on Government benefits see our Financial Support page.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

People marching across a village with thatched roofs, holding hand made union banners.

Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025

Members are invited to join us at this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival - the biggest celebration of the trade union movement in the Southwest - taking place 18 to 20 July in the beautiful Dorset village of Tolpuddle.

Published: 13 June 2025

Read more about Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves on stage making a speech at the Labour Party Conference in 2023.

Increased Money for the Creative Industries in Government Spending Review

Yesterday Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves set out her Comprehensive Spending Review. Having lobbied the Government for additional money for music, it was positive to see the Government announce a "significant increase in funding for the creative industries" as a key “growth sector".

Published: 12 June 2025

Read more about Increased Money for the Creative Industries in Government Spending Review
Last year's parade, hundreds of people walking down the narrow historic main street, holding large colourful banners and balloons.

March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2025

Members are invited to join us on Saturday 12 July for the Durham Miners’ Gala – the world’s biggest celebration of trade union values, community spirit, and working-class life.

Published: 12 June 2025

Read more about March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2025